10 Best Ever UK WWE Matches
8. Davey Boy Smith Vs Shawn Michaels - One Night Only (September 1997)
An objectively excellent encounter spoiled by ugly political machinations, the usual chemistry between career rivals Davey Boy Smith and Shawn Michaels ensured an outstanding match despite the despicable attitude of the 'Heartbreak Kid' triggering uncomfortable scenes at its conclusion.
Michaels was embarking on the heel run of his life in late-1997, having finally been permitted to incorporate his reputation as a despised prima-donna into his outward-facing persona.
After weeks of positioning Davey Boy as the eventual victor (including a promo from the Bulldog dedicating the match to his cancer-stricken sister Tracey) of their One Night Only main event, Shawn suggested changing the finish in order to build heat for a Manchester rematch six months later. Despite the partisan promotion and Michaels' open disdain for a European Title, Vince agreed to the switch, with heavy emphasis on interference from Triple H leading to the eventual outcome.
The finish saw the unnamed DX relentlessly assault Davey's knee, rendering him prone for a lengthy spell in a figure four leglock that had the Birmingham crowd pleading for Bulldog's eventual comeback. It never came.
Passing out from the pain, Smith had lost in front of his own crowd and failed to live up to the promise he'd made to Tracey. Tastelessly meshing fantasy and reality, Michaels and Helmsley revelled in their position as vile heels, continuing to beat down the former champion and openly mock the family before the rest of the Hart Foundation made the very late save.